Optimization of Console Armrest Design for Reduction of G-Values in Head Impact Testing

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">Head injuries from interior impacts during vehicle accidents are a significant cause of fatalities in India. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for 2023 reveals that approximately 15% of the total 150,000 road fatalities were due to head impacts on vehicle interiors, resulting in about 22,500 deaths. Thus, head impact protection in a car crash is key during the design of vehicle interiors.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">IS 15223 and ECE-R21 provide specific guidelines for head impact testing of instrument panels and consoles in vehicles to ensure compliance with safety standards and minimize the risk of head injury during collisions. By systematically addressing each aspect of IS 15223 and ECE- R21 in the design, testing, and documentation phases, manufacturers can ensure that console armrests are optimized for safety. This approach not only helps meet regulatory standards but also enhances overall occupant protection in vehicles during collisions.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">The objective of this paper is to design a console armrest that meets stringent head impact testing requirements and thereby enhances occupant safety in automotive applications. The research focuses on optimizing the armrest’s structural integrity to withstand dynamic loads and to transfer or dissipate that impact energy effectively.</div></div>